Ludhiana Police Book Three Officers Following Allegations of Brutal Cab Driver Torture
In a significant development that has rocked the city of Ludhiana, Punjab Police have taken decisive action by registering First Information Reports (FIRs) against three police personnel and two civilians. This action comes in response to serious allegations made by a local cab driver who claims he was subjected to brutal custodial assault, including the horrific act of having his nail pulled out with a plier.
Massive Public Protests Force Police Action
The city witnessed unprecedented public outrage on Friday as protesters blocked Bharat Nagar Chowk for nearly four hours, demanding accountability for what they perceived as police inaction. The massive demonstration created significant disruption and brought attention to the cab driver's allegations, ultimately pressuring authorities to register formal complaints.
Following the sustained public pressure, police at Division Number 8 police station registered two separate FIRs based on the statement of 28-year-old cab driver Ranjodh Singh, who resides in Chander Nagar. The registration of these cases marks a crucial step in addressing the serious allegations that have shaken public confidence in local law enforcement.
Detailed Allegations of Police Brutality
According to Ranjodh Singh's complaint, the incident began on January 26 when his vehicle collided with another car near Pavilion Mall. The situation quickly escalated when occupants of the other vehicle allegedly began abusing and assaulting him. Matters turned particularly sensitive when they reportedly made anti-religious remarks after noticing a poster of Sikh militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on Ranjodh's vehicle.
The cab driver's account becomes particularly disturbing when describing what happened after police intervention. He alleges that instead of receiving protection, he was taken to the Kailash Nagar police post where he faced brutal treatment. The most shocking allegation involves police personnel using a plier to pluck out his nail, causing significant bleeding that required a visit to Civil Hospital.
Ranjodh further claims that despite being taken to the hospital, he received no proper medical examination and was returned to police custody. He describes being kept in a lock-up at Division Number 8 police station without even basic amenities like a blanket, before being taken back to Kailash Nagar police post and released the next morning only after being forced to sign unspecified documents.
Legal Action Against Police and Civilians
In the first FIR, police have booked three officers including head constable Lovepreet Singh, home guard Deepak Sharma, and another head constable Lovepreet Singh, along with their accomplice Rohit. They face charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically:
- Section 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt
- Section 127(2) for wrongful confinement
- Section 351(3) for criminal intimidation
The second FIR targets two occupants of the other vehicle involved in the initial altercation: Rajiv Gupta from Gandhi Nagar and Ajay Sharma from Vrindavan Road. They have been charged under BNS sections including:
- Section 298 for damaging, destroying or defiling any place of worship or sacred object with intent to insult a religion
- Section 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt
- Section 126(2) for wrongful restraint
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Additional DCP-3 Kanwalpreet Singh confirmed the registration of both FIRs, stating clearly: "We have registered two FIRs on the statement of the complainant and the action will be taken accordingly." This official acknowledgment indicates that the police administration is treating the matter with seriousness and that further investigative steps will follow the formal registration of cases.
The incident has raised serious questions about police conduct and custodial treatment in Ludhiana, with the graphic nature of the allegations particularly disturbing to the local community. As the legal process moves forward, all eyes will be on how the Punjab Police handle these serious charges against their own personnel while also addressing the religious sensitivity aspects of the case.
